Overview of the Party Wall Process

HomeOverview of the Party Wall Process

The General Procedure That Goes into the Party Wall Process

Here is a step-by-step guide:

  1. Initial Decision:
  • The building owner makes an initial decision to determine whether the proposed work is covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
  • If the work falls under the Act, the building owner must provide notice to the adjoining owner or owners of their intention via a Party Wall Notice.
  1. Party Wall Notice:
  • The building owner serves a written Party Wall Notice to the adjoining owner or owners at least two months prior to the intended start of the work and it must detail the proposed works, the expected start date and any access required.
  1. Adjacent Owner Response:
  • When the notice is received, the adjoining owner has three possible options: they can either agree to allow the building owner’s surveyor to act as the agreed surveyor, they can dissent and appoint their own surveyor, or they can agree to the notice.
  1. Appointing the Party Wall Surveyor:
  • The adjoining owner’s consent for the building owner’s surveyor to act as an agreed surveyor would mean that a single surveyor for both party is appointed; if the adjoining owner dissents and decides to appoint their own surveyor, each party would have their own party wall surveyor.
  1. Party Wall Award:
  • Whether appointed separately or agree the same team of party wall surveyors, the surveyors will review the proposed building works, consider issues raised by the neighbour owner, and produce a Party Wall Award. The Party Wall Award is a legally binding document, that sets out the rights and obligations for both parties in respect to the proposed building works together with any terms for conditions or safeguards.
  1. Execution of the Party Wall Award:
  • Once both parties have confirmed agreement to the Party Wall Award, both parties sign and execute the document.
  • The Party Wall Award will provide a framework for the construction, including working hours, access arrangements and the possibility of compensation in the event of damage.
  1. When construction works commence:
  • Construction will be conducted by the owner builder in accordance with the Party Wall Award. During construction the surveyors may inspect the works to verify compliance with the terms of the award and arbitrate disputes that may arise.
  1. Dispute Resolutions:
  • The appointed surveyors will facilitate discussion and try and resolve any disputes encountered during or after the works on the project. If the surveyors are unable to agree then the disputes will be taken through the relevant legal processes.

To properly navigate the process, it is advised to speak with knowledgeable party wall surveyors.

Please get in touch with us for a free consultation. Our well-versed and professional staff will determine whether the suggested work is covered by the Party Wall Act based on your drawings, which you can share with us via email or call. We offer you our best, customised, and risk-free advice. We are also pleased to provide our professional services to Greater London and the surrounding areas.

Contact us

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πŸ“ž 0203 576 0786 / 0777 3360033

πŸ“§ info@partywallssurveyors.co.uk